Implement and method of making same



Nov. 30, 1943. F. EHRSAM IMPLEMENT AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME Filed Dec. 11, 1942 I Fla-J;

I 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR:

frederiolj Ehlswm,

ATTORNEY.

\ Nov. 30, 1943. F. EHRSAM IMPLEMENT AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME Filed Dad. 11, 1942 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fla-5- J 71 RN ,2 we 1/ a Fa a t R, w/ E a T r F a 0 E j. L a 5 5/ F WW R J ATTORNEY.

Nov. 30, 1943. F. EHRSAM 2,335,497

IMPLEMENT AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME Filed Dec. 11. 1942 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 'FLELEJ- i=1. E-Jil.

. a; 58 I J3;

ATTORNEY.

' Nov. 30, 1943. F. EHRSAM IMPLEMENT AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME 'FlE-fLEL- INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

1943. F. EH'RSAM 2,335,497

IMPLEMENT AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME Filed Dec. 11, 1942 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTORI fiederiafilhrsa m,

v., Pittented Now 3Q, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE a ma-wigglin Mame I I Frederick Ehrsam, Beading, r

Application December 11, 1942, Serial No. 468,867

20 Claims.

This invention concerns a manual implement particularly designed for use by woodmen, campers, soldiers, farmers and other individuals of this generally outdoor-active type, to enable them to quickly and efllciently perform certain tasks or activities, such ascutting or chopping cfl trees,

branches, underbrush, comstalks, etc., which implement is adapted for use as a weapon, as a ground digging tool, and embodies other utility features; and to a method of producing such an implement.

One object of my invention is to provide a new implement of the referred to type which is struc-y turally and functionally superior to devices heretofore available for the indicatedpurposes.

Another object is to provide such an implement which can be readily'manufactured from sheet or plate metal of uniform thickness. A A further object is the provision of such an implement which, enables the easy performance of cutting operations close to the ground, between I rocks, or similar places where the use of other cutting devices becomes more or less impractical.

An additional object is to provide such an implement having a cutting section arranged to action when the implement is moved in a line coextensive with the median line of the implement handle, so as to permit the exertion of undeflected straight-arm pulling force in connection with such cutting operations.

Another object is the provision of .such an implement which is useful for emergency trench, or other ground digging operations, as carried out on certain occasions by soldiers and marines,

, and for this purpose can be held and manipulated with both hands without danger of injury ment which can be advantageously used as a weapon.

Another object resides in the provision of such an implement with a relatively thin cutting blade structure having unique reinforcing features and 1 arrangement of parts in cooperativeaelationship,

, effect a substantially right-angularcross-cutting from the. cutting edges of the implement.

.It is also an object to provide such an imple and method of making th implement, as more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a plan view of a piece of steel plate, or sheet steel, ofuniform thickness, from which the blank forms for the implement of my invention are stamped;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the plate illustrated in Figure 1, taken substantially along the lines 2-4 of the latter;

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the plate illustrated in Figure 1, taken substantially along "t e lines3-3 of the latter; a Fig. 4 is a plan view of one of the blank *forms from which the implement of myinvention is developed, as it appears after being stamped from the sheet metal plate illustrated in Figure 1;

V Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 and illustrates the appearance of the-blank in one stage ofits development;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sec-- tional view of the blank shown in Fig. 5, taken substantially as indicated by the arrows 6'6 of the latter; a

- Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the blank shown in Fig. 5, taken substantially as indicated by the arrows '|--l of the latter;

Fig. 8 is a plan view of one end of the blank shown in Fig. 5 and illustratesthe appearance thereof in a certain stage of 'its development;

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view as seen by looking in the direction of the arrows 9-4 in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectionaiview as seen by looking in the-direction of the arrows Ill-l0 in Fig. 8;

- Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of Fig.8, taken along the line I l-I l of-the latter;

.Figs. 12 and 13 are plan views of a pair of complementary clamping plates or holders used inconnection with the manufacture of the implementof myinvention;

' Figs. 14, 15, 16 and 17 are fragmentary crosssectional views of the clamping plates of Figs. 12 and 13, taken, respectively, along the lines indi-.

. cated by the arrows ll-ll,l5'l5, Nil-I6 and l'l-ll, of thelatter; Fi 18 is an end elevational view of the clamp ing plates shown'in Figs. 12 and 13, and illustrates the latter bolted together to maintain between them a multiplicity of the sheet metal blanks during one of the method steps in the de- 'velopment of the implement of my invention;

19 is a view similarto Fig. -8, and iilustrates a part of the implement blankat a certain stage of its development;

Figs. 20, 21 and 22 are fragmentary cross-sectional views of Fig. 19, taken substantially as indicated by the arrows 2020, 2|--2I and 2222 of the latter;

Figs. 23 and 24 are, respectively, front and side elevational views of certain parts of a fixture used in carrying out some of the steps in the manufadt'ure of the implement of my invention;

' Figs; 25 and 26 are fragmentary cross-sectional views, taken substantially as indicated by the arrows 25 and 2625 and 26, on Fig. 19, and illustrate certain steps in the development of the axe cutting edge of the implement of my invention;

Figs. 27, 28 and 29 are similar views of the end of the implement of my invention provided with 'a handle and guard, and illustrate various steps Fig; 31 is an edge view of the implement shown in Fig. 30;

Fig. 32 is a perspective view, on an enlarged scale, of one of disc members comprisin the handle of the implement of Fig. 30;

Fig, 33 is a perspective view of a tool used in conjunction with the manufacture of the hand grip member of the implement illustrated in Fig.

I Fig. 34 is a plan view of a modified form of hand grip member;

Fig. 35 is a view similar to Fig. 9, and illustrates a modified form of construction;

Fig. 36 is a view similar to Fig. 20 and illustrates a further step in the development of the modified form of construction shown in Fig. 35;

f nose 51. The bottom edge of the body 50 is pro- Fig. 37 is a view similar to Fig. 9, and illustrates another modified form of construction;

Fig. 38 is a view similar to Fig. 20 and illustrates a further step in the development of the modified form of construction shown in Fig. 37;

Figs. 39 and 42 illustrate, respectively, two different forms of reinforcing means associated with the handle tang of the implement of my invenion;

Figs. 40 and 41 are cross-sectional viewsfrespectively taken as indicated by the-arrows 4040 and 4l4l on Figs. 39 and 42.

As previously noted, my invention involves both an implement and a method of making the same.

Since a thorough understanding of the elements comprising the implement is more or less dependent upon a knowledge of their characteristics derived in accordance with the method. the description will consequently be proceeded with by first, briefly referring to the more essential elements comprising the im lement, second. explaining the method of producing the implement, and third, indicating the various functions. uses and salient features of t e completed implement.

Accordingly, attention is first invited to Figs. 30 and 31 of the drawings. which depict one practical and illustrative embodiment of the implement of my invention. obtained by following my new method of manufacture.

In general. the implement comprises a su stantially L-shaped body 50 of uniform thickness, having at one end a hand grip member 5l, and hand guard 52. At the other end of the body 50 is provided an integral lateral extension 52 in which is formed an offset relatively thinner cutiing blade section 53 of substantially crescentshaped configuration having a chisel cutting edge 54. The outer end of the latter is protected by vided with an outwardly reduced or inclined section 58, arranged to facilitate the use of this edge in ground digging operations, as later on explained. A finger, or hand-edge notch 59,'is provided in the body 50, to permit grasping the body withthe left hand in conjunction with the said ground digging operations, and functions to prevent slipping of the hand into contact with the cutting edge 54.

As hereinafter more particularly explained, the referred to elements of my implement are constructed, combined and cooperatively associated to provide advantages not attainable with the devices of the prior art. To make this more apparent, it is desirable to next consider the structural and functional characteristics of these elements resulting from the following method of manufacturing the implement, the various phases of which are illustrated by Figs. 1 to 29 inclusive:

To facilitate production of the implement at comparatively low cost, and embody therein cer-' tain desirable and advantageous features, the implement is developed from a piece of standard hot, or cold rolled steel, of uniform thickness and high manganese content, indicated by the reference numeral 6| in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. The thickness of this steel is about one-eighth inch.

A blank form, as generally indicated by the nu meral 62 in Fig. 4, is stamped from such ste'el.

If it is desired to produce such blanks in quantity, they may, of course, be stamped from plates or sheets of suitable shape and size, as exemplified by Fig. 1, which permit blanking of the forms 62 without entailing excessive waste material.

By comparing the blank 62 of Fig. 4, with the finished implement of Fig. 30, it will be seen that the general outline of the blank remains the same throughout the various steps of manufactureof the implement, and consequently, that the general shape of the implement is substantially attained right at the start.

In proceeding with the description of the development of the implement from this point, it will be necessary to refer to the parts already identified in their finished state in Figs. 30 and 31. Therefore, in their unfinished state, these parts will be identified by the same reference numerals but with the exponent a added thereto. The elements not previously designated will be identified by different reference numerals.

Turning again to the blank 62 of Fig. 4, it is to be noted that the same has an integral handle tang 63 formed at its handle, or upper end, and an integral lateral extension 52 at its opposite, or lower end. The extension 54 is so arranged that its upper face edge curve 64 (later defining the chisel cutting edge 54) lies crosswise of a line 65 forming a direct projection or continuation of the longitudinal median line of the handle tang 63. The edge curve 64 is furthermore so located that a tangential line 66, at a point substantially centrally of the edge, curve 64, is at right angles with the projected handle tang median line 65.

Proceeding with the development of the blank 62, and referring'now to Figs. 5, 6 and '7, the edges 56 and 58 are next shaped as shown in these figures, by grinding away the metal with a suitable rotary grinding wheel. The edge 58 can be readily shaped in conformity with the cross-section of Fig. 6, by manually manipulating the blank .82 during the grinding operation. However, I

have found it expedient to utilize a special grinding fixture of the type shown in Figs. 23 and 24,

to attain precise uniformity. in effecting the crosssectional double slope, or convergence, of the long side edge 56 shown on an enlarged scale in Fig. '7.

The said fixture generally comprises a bracket 11, which is fixed to. the ceiling, or otherwise rigidly mounted in an elevated position, and a frame I8, which is suspended from the bracket by a vertically adjustable universal joint I9. In the angle metal, braced by flat cross members, or plates, indicated by the numerals II and I2. The lower end of the frame I8 is provided with means for determinedly holding one of the blanks 82 in the manner illustrated.

The said blank holding means includes a plate 80, which is fixed to the lower end of the right leg of the frame 'l8, and has atop edge 9| adapted to seat and position the lateral extension 52'- of the blank 62 indetermined position relative to a quickly secure the blank in, and release it from, this determined position. One of these clamps comprises a screw stud 82, fixed in the lower end of the leftleg of the frame I8, and positioned to form a" rest for the tang 68' of. the blank 62, a clamp plate 83, and a wing nut 88 mounted on the threaded portion of the .stud 82. in such', manner as to move the plate 83 against the tang 63, and

frame I8 can be readily swung in a direction away from the wheel 9|, a sufiicient distance to permit its rotation through an angle of 180 degrees, so as to bring the unground side edge of the blank into proper position for grinding, as before.

In order to maintain the same grinding angle, and allow for wear of the grinding wheel 9|, the

diminishing radius of the latter is compensated for by periodically adjusting the frame I8 relative to the grinding wheel. For'this purpose, the

supporting bracket I1 is provided with, a series of relatively spaced adjustment apertures I02, ar-

. main, the frame I8 is constructed of standard ranged to permit vertical adjustment of a screw stud I03, the forward end of which carries the universal Joint 19. To permit finer vertical adjustments to be made, the frame 18 is connected with the uni- -grinding wheel 9|, and two clamps, arranged to the latter against the leg of frame 18. The sec-- ond' clamp comprises a screw'stud 85, fixedly mounted in the lower rightleg of frame-I8, a clamp plate 86, and a, 'wing nut 81, arranged in similar manner to the corresponding parts of the 1 first clamp, but positioned to cooperatively hold the lower edge of the blank 92 in the position shown in Fig. 23. In connection with ,the latter clamp means, a leaf spring 88 is provided between the plate 88 and the blank 62, to facilitate the opening action of this clamping arrangement.

The grinding wheel 9| is power driven, and is 'so positioned that grinding contact between the 1 blank edge .ili and the wheel 9| will result at the desired angle of inclination to effect the edge slope, as shown in Fig. 7. I

- Adjustable stop studs 92 and 93, on the frame I8, cooperate with fixed abutments 94 and 95, to limit the lateral swinging movement of the frame I8, when the latter is manipulated to effect the grinding of the edge 56 of the blank 62. The

brackets 96 and 91, mounted on port or beam '98. i

A guard 99 is arranged along the lower front i portion of the grinding wheel 9|, and secured to V the brackets 96 and 91. Another guard IIII. ex-

tends across theupper part of the wheel and is mounted in this position-by attachment to means,

not shown.

versal Joint I9 by ascrew threaded member I M. This member extends through an apertured boss I85, centrally located at the upper end of the frame I8. By means of two clamp nuts I88 and I81, arranged on the member IIIl, above and below the boss I 05 vertical micrometer adjustments of the frame I8, can be attained.

Before, or after shaping the edges 56 and 58, as just described, an aperture I08 is punched, or drilled through the handle tang I3 to facilitate suspension of the blank 62 from a wireor other suitable means, in connection with the hardening process to which the blank is later subjected. a

Figs. 8, 9, l0 and 11, illustrate the initial steps of forming the unique cutting blade section (iden- I tified by the'numeral 53 in Figs. 30 and 31), in the lateral extension 52*- of the blank 62. By means 'of a suitable die. (not shown) a crescent-shaped portion 53 of the extension 52, is depressed so as to form a section the surfaces of which are in parallel, but laterally offset planer relation, with the surfaces of the body 50 of the blank. Simultaneously with this embossing operation, the

- free edge of the portion iii! is bent outwardly to abutments 94 and 95 constitute extensions of. astationary supmore abruptly to a point of mergence III with the lip 54; The operations just'described are preferably, performed simultaneously by a single die, but this is not essential since the same result can be accomplished in progressive steps, if desired.

Fig. 23 shows that the curvature a: the arc along which the edge 56 moves when the frame I "is being reciprocated during the grinding oper-' ation, coincides-with the curvature of the edge tance from the swinging center C of the frame I8, of the edge 59?, equals the radius of the curve forming this edge of the blank 62.. In the presentinstance, this distance and radius is forty-two inches.

It will be realized, therefore, that the disquenched in oil to to 60 Rockwell C.

The blank 62, as formed up tdthis point, is

i then hardened. This is'accomplished by heating the blank from 1400 to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit, depending upon the characteristics of the steel comprising the blank, after which the blank is efiect a hardness of about 52 The heating medium in which theblank s2 is immersed during the heating process may be salt,

Since the frame I8 is suspended from the universal joint I9, it will be understood that when the grinding operation has been performed on one side edge it of the blank I2, as described, the

air, or some other well known fluid adapted for this purpose, and with the aid of which the desired heating can be accomplished without scaling of the metal.

After quenching, the blank 82 is air cooled,

and if the heating medium utilized was salt, the blank is washed in boiling water to remove-therefrom any salt particles adheringthereto after quenching.

In connection with the tempering process, I have found'it desirable to employ a device arranged to simultaneously straighten the blank 62, and release any stress, in the metal thereof. This device comprises a pair of complementary rigid metallic clamp plates I I8, and H9, as shown in Figs. 12 and 13. The plate H9 is provided with a depression I2I corresponding in shape and size with the embossed portion53 and lip 54* of'the blank 62; and the plate H8 is provided with a projection I22 of similar configuration. By placing a blank 62 between these two plates so that the depression I2I and projection I22 are'in opposition with the portion 53 and lip 54, both surfaces of the blank will be contactingly engaged by the inner faces of the plates H8 and H9 throughout their entire extent.

Of course, if desired, a multiplicity of the blanks 62 can be stacked together in superimposed and interfitting' relationship, and the entire stack placed between. the plates H8 and H9, as shown in Fig. 18. The blank straightening and pressing action exerted by the plates' I I8 and I I9, will be the same in either case.

Any suitable means may be utilized to effect aligned movement of the plates I I8 and I I9 toward each other until a desired pressure is exerted on the blank or blanks 62. In the present instance, I employ for this purpose a plurality of bolts I20, the threaded shanks of which extend through a balanced arrangement of aligned apertures I23 and I24 in the plates H8 and H9, and nuts I25 cooperatively associated with the bolts I20 to effect the desired plate-movement and pressure action.

The plates H8 and H9 are also provided with apertures I26 and I2'I which register with each other when the plates are bolted face to face ,as shown in Fig. 18. A wire or other suitable suspension means for the clamp unit shown in Fig. 18, may be anchoredin apertures I26 and I21, and the said unit then hung in a heating medium, such as liquid salt, to raise the temperature of the blanks 62 to a temperature of about 700 to 750 degrees Fahrenheit.

After maintaining the temperature of the blanks 62 at this point for about twenty minutes, the clamp unit is removed from the heating medium and the bolts I20 tightened to bring about maximum attainable straightening and nesting of the blanks 62, so as to release any stresses existent in the metal of the blanks.

The clamp unit is then again placed in the heating medium and continuously maintained at a temperature of about 700 to 750 degrees Fahrenheit for about one hour, after which the unit is removed from the heating medium and the blanks 62 permittedto slowly cool in air.

After cooling, the blanks will have attained a hardness of about 4'7 Rockwell C.

In order that the handle tang 63 will have a desirable amount of ductility, and its outer tip I30 and the shoulders I28 may be in condition for later peening or riveting, the tang 63 and a contiguous portion of the blank body 50 of about one inch below the tang, is reheated in a heating medium, such as liquid salt, to a temperature of about 1300 degrees Fahrenheit and then slowly air cooled. This annealing process will reduce the hardness of the tang and referred to-associated parts to approximately 30 Rockwell C.

To give the blank 62 a desirable black surface appearance or color, after tempering, the blank is first thoroughly cleaned by pickling, sand blasting, or in other well known manner, and then immersed in a coloring bath consisting of a mixture of water and coloring chemical heated to a temperature. of about 300 degrees Fahrenheit. When the blank has attained the desired color, it is quenched in cold water, then washed in hot water, and thereafter dipped in paraffin so as to.

-as shown at H6 and H1 in Fig. 25. This facilitates the final shaping and polishing of the edge.

The blank 62 is now ready for its final shaping and polishing operations. These include converting the crescent-shaped section 53 into a cutting blade of one-half the thickness of the blank body 50 and the lip 54- into a chisel edge. This is accomplished simultaneously by wet grinding away the metal below the dot-and-dash line G in Figs. 9, l0 and 11, by means of a flat grinding surface operating on the metal in a plane parallel to th fiat surfaces of the blank 62.

Figs. 19, 20, 21 and 22 illustrate the appearance of the parts shown in Figs. 8, 9, l0 and 11, after the said grinding operation has been performed.

By means of -a fine grinding wheel, the long side edge 56 of the blank 62 is next shaped to form an axe edge as illustrated in Fig. 26.

This is followed by polishing, in the manner and by means well understood in the art, of the axe edge 56*, the upper inclined surface of the chisel edge 54*, and the under surface I3I of the crescent-shaped section 53.

The blank 62 has now'attained its finished form, in readiness for attachment thereto of a hand grip member and hand guard as illustrated in Figs. 27, 28, 29 and 32.

The hand guard member 52 consists of a flat tough steel strap, originally shaped as shown in' 5| is constructed of discs I 33 illustrated in Fig.

32. These discs may be formed of leather, or other similar material, and are provided with a centrally located slot I34 of such dimension as to snugly embrace the tang I3. Due to this snug fit, it becomes necessary to force the discs I33 into the tang I3 and for this purpose I utilize a special tool I35 shown in Fig. 33. This tool consists of an oval-shaped tubular part I36, having a longitudinally extending opening of a crosssectional shape and size slightly larger than the tang I3. By placing one of the discs I33 on the handle tang I3, and then slipping the open end of the part I36 of the tool I35 over the tang 63, the disc can be pushed or rammed home. If neces'sary, the end I3'I of the tool I35 may be tapped with a hammer. This disc applying operation is repeated until a suflicient number of discs I33 have been applied to the tang I3 to cover the latter from the shoulders I28 to the outer tang end as shown in Fig. 28. Thereafter, a slot I38, in the guard 52, is placed into engagement with thereduced tip I30 of the tang and the latter riveted over as shown in Fig. 29to form a smooth assaaov rivet head over' the guard at this point and thereby securely hold it imposition on the tang.

The hand-grip 5|, as illustrated in Fig. 29,- is then refined by a final shaping process involving the grinding away of a sufilcient amount of the disc material at I 4|, I42 and I43 (Fig. 29) to form a smooth forefinger notch I44, a smoothly rounded pivot edge I45 for the little finger and side edge of the hand, and a smoothly rounded part I46 for free and easy cooperation with the palm of the hand, asillustrated in Fig. 30. Figs. 34 to 42 inclusive show various modifications coming within the purview of my invention. Fig. 34 illustrates a-solid preformed hand grip member I41, having a central longitudinally extending aperture I48 of such cross-sectional configuration as to permit sliding'the member over the handle tang to a position occupied by the disc members I33, as previously described. The member I41 may-be preformed of hard rubber, .or other synthetic or natural material suitable for this purpose. 7

Figs. 35 and 36 illustrate a modification of .the construction shown in Figs. 9 and 20, and the corresponding parts are oonsequentlyidentlfied by thesame numerals as in the latter figures having the exponent I) added thereto. In this instance the steel comprising the body 50" is only one-half the thickness of thatfrom which the implement of Fig. 9' isformed, and the step of displacing the metal to form the crescent-shaped a lip 54' 'isformed as before, and the lower part thereof, to the dot-and-dash line G, is ground away to thereby obtain a chiseLedge of the same construction as that shown in Fig. 9, but, of course, of only one-half the thickness. 7

Figs. 37 and 38 illustrate another modification of the construction shown in Figs. 9 and 2 0, and the corresponding parts are consequently designated by the same numerals having the exponent c added thereto. In this instance the blade section 53 corresponds exactly to that shown in Figs. 9 and 20. However, here again thesteel from which the implement is formed is one-half the thickness of that shown in Figs.

9 and 20, so that the grinding operation which removes the metal to the dot-and-dashline 6, will result in creating the chisel-edge i4 without effecting the section 53.

It is, of course, to be understood that with respect to'the modifications of Figs. 35, 36, 37 and 38, the implement of my invention is otherwise the same as that previously described, and that the method of producing the same is also altered so only to the extent described in effecting the changes comprising the said modifications.

iIf it is desired to reinforce thehandle tang 63 at and adjacent toits point of juncture with the body portion of the implement, one or more ribs I49 are formed in this area, as illustrated in Figs. 39 and 40.

To reinforce the entire handle tang I3- and a contiguous portion of the body of the implement, a separatereinforcing plate IE is com- 'portion of the latter .figure'is'omitted. However,

functional features which'are unique and advantageous. To make this more apparent, attention is again invited to Figs. 30 and 31, in conjunction with the following explanation of how the constituent parts of the implement func- 10 tion in practical use:

The long axe-shaped cutting edge 56 is adapted and arranged to effect a long sweeping cut desirable in connection with the removal of brush,

vines, briars and trees up to sizes necessitating 15 the use or a cross-cut saw or a double bitted axe.

The blunt part or nose 51 protects the long cutting edge 56 when the implement inadvert'-\ ently strikes the ground, or some other object, as.

29 the result of a chopping stroke.

Therelatively thinner crescent-shaped blade ,section 53 is adaptedto enable eificient cutting of objects located in places of difilcult access, as among rocks, stones, stumps, near guy wires, abutments, foundations, walls. and similar obstacles. Since the chisel cutting edge of this blade section lies crosswise of the extended median line of the handle tang of the implement, straight-arm pulling force on the handle of the latter can be exerted to any extent without developing any lateral movement of the blade during its cutting action. It is also to be noted that the thin cutting blade section 53 is reinforced and stifiend againstgiguttlng strains by the curved rib-like structure extending along the line of juncture of the blade section with the body of the implement. Furthermore, that the rim member 55- likewise reinforces the outer portion of the cutting blade section 53,- and that the inwardly curved extremity of this rim member functions to protect the cutter end of the chisel edge 54 against damage.

- The hand grip member 5 I and handguard 52 are designed to permit use of the natural mods mentum of the implement when the latter is swung with full force toefiect cutting with the edge 56. This arrangement also enables pivoting.

the implement around the 'littlefinger of the hand at I45, with the rounded part I46 of the grip moving freely within the hand.

'The implement can be readily used for digging trenches, or for other emergency digging operations, by, employing for: this p pose the lower end of the implement" having a partly sharpened or tapered edge 58.' By reversing the implement as shown in Fig. 30 so that the plain edge with notch 58 is positioned at the top, this edge can be conveniently grasped wlth the left hand in such manner that the little finger thereof rests in the said notch. The right hand can then be applied at the grip ii to; exert the necessary power .or push in carrying out a shoveling motion or stroke, while this action is 'being guided by the left hand. During this procedure the notch 59 serves to prevent slippage of the left hand into contact th the chisel edge 54.

For further am llfication of the various featuna-advantages, uses, etc., of the herein disclosed implem'ent of my invention, reference may be had to two booklets copyri hted in 1942 by the Victor Tool Co. of Reading, Pa., and distributed by the latter. These booklets are entitled as follows:

1; Fighting with/1. s. A. Knife LC-l4-B,

2. An implement of the character described comprising a substantially L-shaped body including a lateral extension at one end thereof, a handle tang at the other end of the body which is inclined sidewise relative to the latter,,hand gripping means associated with said tang, and a cutting edge on said extension having a portion thereof arranged crosswise of the median line of the handle tang so as to effect a right-angular cross-cutting action when 5 the implement is moved along said line.

3. An implement of the character described comprising a substantially L-shaped body including a lateral extension at one end thereof, a handle tang at the other end of the body which is inclined sidewise relative to the latter, hand gripping means associated with said tang, and a cutting edge on said extension having a portion thereof arranged crosswise of the median line of the handle tang so as to effect a-right-angular cross-cutting action when the implement is moved along said line in the handle.

4. An implement of the character described comprising a substantially L-shaped sheet metal body including'a lateral extension at one end thereof, a handle tang at the other end of the body which is inclined sidewise relative to the cutting edge having a portion thereof arranged crosswise of the median line of the handle tang.

8. An implement of the character described comprising a substantially L-shaped body including an integral handle tang at one end and a relatively short lateral extension at its other end, hand gripping means associated with said tang, and a crescent-shaped cutting blade on said extension of less thickness than the body and arranged in parallel laterally offset planar relationship with respect thereto, which blade is provided with a cutting edge having a portion thereof arranged crosswise of the median line of the handle tang.

9. An implement blank of the character described comprising a substantially L-shaped sheet metal body including a lateral extension at one end thereof, a handle tang at-the other end of the body which is inclined sidewise relative 'to the latter, and an edge portion of said extension arranged crosswise of the median line of the handle tang.

10. A developed implement blank of the char-' acter described comprising a substantially L- shapedbody including a lateral extension at one end thereof, a handle tang at the other end of the body which is inclined sidewise relative to the direction of said latter, a cutting edge along one side of said body, and a cutting edge on said extension having a portion thereof arranged crosswise of the median line of the handle tang.

11. A developed implement blank of the char"- acter described comprising a substantially L- shaped body including a lateral extension at one end thereof, a handle tang at the other end-of the body which is inclined sidewise relative to.

, the latter, a cutting edge along one side of said body, a blunt nose portion at the corner of the body opposite to the handle tang, and a cutting latter, hand gripping means associated with said a tang, and a cutting edge on said extension having a portion thereof arranged crosswise of the median line of the handle tang.

5.An implement of the character described comprising a substantially L-shaped body ineluding a relatively lateral extension at one end thereof, a'handle tang at the other end of the body which is inclined sidewise relative to the latter, hand gripping means associated with said tang, and a cutting section on said extension of uniform and less thickness than the body, which v section is provided with a cutting edge'having a portion thereof arranged crosswise of themedian line of the handle tang. r

6. An implement of the character described comprising a substantially L-shaped body includingan integral handle tang at one end and a relatively short lateral extension at its other end,

hand g ipping means associated with said tang,

and a cutting blade on said extension arrangedin parallel laterally offset ,planar' relationship relatively to the latter, which section is provided with acutting edge having a portion thereof arranged crosswise of the medianline of the handle' tang. I

7. An implement of the character described comprising a substantially L-shaped body including an integral handle tang at one end and a relatively short lateral extension at its other end, hand-gripping means associated with said and Ya cutting blade on said extension of less thicknessthan the body and arranged inparallel laterally oflest I planar relationship with respect thereto, which section is provided with a edge on said extension having a portion thereof I arranged crosswise of the median line of the handle tang.

12.'A developed implement blank of the character described comprising a substantially L- shaped body including an integral handle tang at one end and a relatively short lateral extension at its other end, a cutting edge on said extension having a portion thereof arranged crosswise of the median line of the handle tang, an inclined edge section along the edge of the implement blank opposite to the handle tang, and a finger notch in the side edge of the body.

13. A developed implement blank of the character described comprising a substantially L shaped body including an integral handle tang at one endand a relatively short lateral extension at its other end, reinforcing means arranged to resist lateral bending action of the handle tang, a cutting edge along one side of said body, a crescent-shaped cutting blade on said extension of less thickness than the body and arranged in parallel laterally ofiset planar relationship with respect thereto, which blade is provided with a cutting edge having a portion thereof arranged crosswise of the median line of the handle tan and inclined edge section along the end of the blank opposite to the handle tang, and a finger notch in the edge of the body opposite to the side having a cutting edge.

14. .The method of making an implement of the character described comprising the formation from sheet metal of uniform thickness of a blank substantially L-shapedl in configuration:

2,335,497 ing' an edge section of said extension so as to form a lip of uniform width and angular inclination beyond the plane of said blank with a portion thereof arranged cross-wise of the median line of the tang, hardening the blank, tempering the blank, reducing the lip so that the latter has a chisel edge, and uniting with said tang means forminga hand gripping member.

15. The method of making an implement of the character "described comprising the formation from sheet metal of uniform thickness of a blank substantially 'L-shaped in configuration having'a handle tang at one end and a relatively short lateral extension at its other end, effecting a substantially crescent-shaped displaced part of 'uniform thickness adjacent one edge of said extension arranged so that a tangential line at a point substantially centrally of the ends of the edge curve thereof is substantially at right angles with the median line of the handle tang, -displacing the edge section of said part so as to form a lip of uniform width and angular inclination beyond the plane of said part, hardening the blank, tempering the blank, reducing the lip so that the latter has a chisel edge, and uniting with said tang means forming a hand gripping member.-

16. The method of making an implement of the character described comprising the formation from sheet metal of uniform thickness of a blank substantially L-shaped in configuration having a handletang at one end and a relatively short lateral-extension at its other end, effecting a substantially crescent-shaped displaced part of uniform thickness adjacent one edge of said ex,- tension arranged so that a tangential line at a point substantially centrally of the ends of the edge curve thereof is substantially at right angles ing the edge section of said Part so as to form a lip of uniform width and angular inclination beyond the plane of said part, hardening the blank, tempering the blank, reducing the said lip and part so that the latter constitute a chiseledge cutting blade of less thickness than the main portion of the blank, and uniting with said tang means forming a hand gripping member.

blank substantially L-shaped in configuration having a handle tang at one end and a relatively short lateral extension at its other end, reinforcing the handle tang against lateral bending action, effecting a substantially crescent-shaped displaced part of uniform thickness adjacent one edge of said extension arranged so that a tangential line at a point substantially centrally of the ends of the edge curve thereof is substantially .with the median line of the handle tang, displacat right angles with the median line of the handle tang, displacing the edge section of said part so as to form a lip of uniform width and angular inclination beyond the plane of said part, hardening the blank tempering the blank, reducing the said lip and part so that th latter constitutes a chisel-edged cutting blade of less thickness than the main portion of the blank, and uniting with said tang means forming a hand gripping member.

19. The method of making an implement of the character described comprising the formation from sheet metal of uniform thickness of a blank substantially L-shaped in configuration having a handle tang at one end and a relatively short lateral extension at its other end, forming an inclined edge section at the end of the blank 'opposite to the handle tang, providing a finger notch in a side edge of the blank, effecting a, substantially crescent-shaped displaced part of uniform thickness adjacent one edge of said extenslon arranged so that a tangential line at a point substantially centrally of the ends of the edge curve thereof is substantially at right angles with the median line of the handle tang, displacing the edge section of said'part so as to form a lip of uniform width and angular inclination beyond theplane of said part, hardening the blank, tempering the blank, reducing the said lip and part so that the latter constitutes a chisel-edged cutting blade of less thickness than the main portion of the blank, and uniting with said tang means forming a hand gripping member;

20. The method of making an implement of the character described comprising the forma- 17. The method of making an implement of the character described comprisin the formation from sheet metal of uniform thickness of a blank substantially L-shaped in configuration having a handle tang at one end and a relatively short lateral extension at its other'end, forming an axe edge along one of the sides of the blank, effecting a substantially crescent-shaped dis-' placed part of uniform thickness in said extension arranged so that a tangential line at a point substantially centrally of the ends of the edge curve thereof is substantially at right angles with the median line of the handle tang, displacing the edge section of said part so as to form a lip of uniform width and angular inclination beyond the plane of saidpart, hardening the blank, tempering the blank, reducing said lip and part so that the latter constitutes a chisel-edged cutting blade of less thickness than the main portion of the blank, and uniting with said tang means forming a hand gripping member.

18. The method of making an implement of the' character described comprising the formation from sheet metal of uniform thickness of a tion from sheet metal of uniform thickness of a blank substantially L-shaped in configuration having a handle tang at on end and a relatively short lateral extension at its other end, reinforcing the handle tang againstlateral'bending action, forming an axe edge along one of the sides of the blank, forming an inclined edge section at the end of the blank opposite to the handle tang, providing a finger notch in the side edge of the blank opposite to that having the axe edge, effecting a substantially crescent-shaped displaced part of uniform thickness adjacent the one edge of said extension arranged so that a tangential line at a point substantially centrally of the ends of the edge curve thereof is substantially at right angles with the median line of the handle tang, displacing the edge section of said part so as to form a lip of uniform width and angular inclination beyond the plane of said part, hardening the blank, tempering the blank, reducing the said lip and part so that the latter constitutes a chisel-edged cutting blade of less thickness than the main portion of th blank,

FREDERICK EHRSAM.

I CERTIFIGATE or CORRECTION. Pa Lent No. 2,535,l;97. November 30, 1919.

FREDERICK EHRSAH.

It is hereby certified that error 'appeara in the printedspecification of the above humbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 2; sec- 0nd column, line 62, for the word- "fame? read --free--; page 1 second column, line 58, for "i nto' read --unto--; page 6, first column, line 1;.7, claim 5, strike out "relatively"; and second colomn, line 66, claim 15, for "and" before inclined read --an-; Ipage'], first column, line 1414-115, 019411116, for "chiseledge" read -'-chisel-edged; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the casein the Patent Office.

Signed 5m sealedthia 28th-day-of March, A. D. 191 1;.

Leslie Frazer (Seal) Acting commissioner of Patents. 

